Not Such Super Supermarkets

As the news reports that the supermarkets have suffered poor sales returns over the past few weeks, these bulletins coincide with the fact that today is the anniversary of the date when the very first supermarket in this country opened for business. The Co-Op at Manor Park welcomed the first shoppers on 12th January 1948, but at that time who would have believed that within sixty four years this country would be awash with these retail giants? Supermarkets have morphed into gargantuan caverns where the shoppers drift like drones through the aisles. With tactics employed to suffocate small business and trample on independent traders, these operations are ruthless.

The reports indicate a forecast that sales will prove weak this year as shoppers continue to buy fewer groceries. Sainsbury’s reported that 2011 was the first year that they had experienced volume decline and Tesco is grumbling about their share price dwindling. The costs of goods have risen so people are adjusting accordingly.

The past few decades have seen people becoming accustomed to buying what they want on credit, shopping has evolved into a leisure activity and a throw away attitude has become the norm. But now, as spending behavioural patterns change these supermarkets are feeling the pinch and I for one feel no sympathy for them.

As a child I watched as my parents tried to build up a small business in the town where we lived. Sundays were spent sourcing stock and every evening I watched as my mother stayed up late to produce flower arrangements to fulfil orders while my day poured over the accounts. All the while trading became increasingly difficult as the council pedestrianised the road in front of the shop, rents soared and Sunday trading started which meant my parents'shop had to stay open too. Whilst this was happening, the supermarkets were growing in number and expanding their ranges to become one stop shops selling gifts, flowers and many other items that my parents stocked. It became impossible to compete and so my parent’s shop died.

So whether you are a local or visiting London for a holiday I implore you to stay away from the supermarkets and visit the wealth of independent shops, markets and unique outlets that London hosts. You will believe you have stepped back in time, if you venture to Deptford market, where the high street is home to at least four fishmongers and half a dozen butchers. Experience the Whitechapel market where fruit and vegetables galore are offered for a single pound for a bowl of fresh produce. Head to Brick lane to the 24 hour Bagel shop for a treat so tasty and far removed from anything a supermarket would dare to label with the same name. Journey along the Edgware road for a sea of fine fabrics or wind your way through Soho, to Berwick street and dive into the shops that sell records or vintage clothing.

These are the truly super shops and super street markets that provide super service and super value. They are here on your doorstep with their doors open for business. We may be buying less but we can also buy better.

Birds and Bird Brains

I would certainly not describe myself as a tree hugger, but having recently moved to a house with a garden, I find that I am now far more aware of nature. Six months ago I moved to Rotherhithe and am now awoken each morning by a hungry robin singing his heart out, as opposed to the grumbling busses trundling through my old stomping ground in Bayswater.

The focal point of my green rectangle of grass is a bird table, which I load up daily with seeds, cereal and mealworms that are whisked away by my winged neighbours. When I moved to SE16, I had assumed that it would be time to become a car owner for weekend excursions and trips to the supermarket. However, the need for a gas-guzzler has not materialised. A bicycle equipped with a basket and robust panniers more than suffice in transporting both a considerable load and myself. The majority of my new neighbourhood own vehicles and one resident appears to be quite the enthusiast with three cars. I simply do not see the attraction. As said neighbour gazes out of his window, lovingly cooing over his mid life crisis escape route on four wheels, I much prefer spotting the black birds skulking in the shadows and watching the cormorants dry their wings on the nearby pier, whilst the busy blue tits bombard the bird table.

Is the Tower of London worth a visit?

The Tower of London is one of the most popular attractions in London.  This video gives a taste of what is inside the Tower to help you decide if it worth a visit.

London Review -- Changing Of The Guard